Some
describe the current drought in Sri Lanka as the worst in 50 years, while
others say it is just a little out of the ordinary. The entire island has
been suffering from the effects of the drought for several months. Yet, as
ironic as it may be, the situation abruptly became a national issue in a
matter of days.

Sri
Lanka has, for quite some time, experienced disasters. However, this year
they appear to have come almost uninterruptedly. Among the
bombing of the Bandaranaike International Airport, the ongoing northeast
conflict and the continuing political crisis, the failure of the
monsoons is leaving hundreds of thousands of families in the south with no
food and water.

The
Hambantota district appears to be the hardest hit. But several other
districts such as Moneragala, Puttalam, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, Badulla and
Ampara are also beginning to feel the grave effects.

The
local media coverage has resulted in a mass influx of relief. Government
institutions, private organisations, schools and people are participating in
the relief effort by donating mostly water and dry rations.

Some
feel that the situation is being somewhat exaggerated and is not as bad as
it is made out to be over the media. However, the fact still remains that
the Hambantota district is a purely agricultural area. Months of no rain
could easily result in starvation for many families who have no other means
of livelihood.

Affected
AreasThe
majority of the Hambantota district in the Southern part of Sri Lanka
remains greatly affected by the current drought prevailing over much of the
island. [Full Report]

Statistics
In total, approximately 104,682 people
are believed to be affected by the drought in the Hambantota district. Four
divisions of Lunugamvehera, Tissamaharama, Sooriyawawe and Hambantota are
the most severely affected. [Full
Report]

Eight
resevoirs dry up in Hambantota districtHambantota
has felt the most severe effects of the drought thus far. The
drought has been powerful enough to dry up eight of the major
reservoirs in the district. [Full Report]

Drought
effects are felt islandwideReports
of the effects of the drought are emerging from almost every part of
the country. So far, Hambantota has taken centre stage in the
crisis; [Full
Report]

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Relief

Sri Lanka Red
Cross offers relief to 1000 familiesSeen
almost anywhere there is a crisis, the Sri Lanka Red Cross (SLRC) makes its
presence in this situation as well.[Full
Report]

World Vision
focuses on long term solution for
drought victimsThe
dry rations and water are now flooding into the Hambantota district. So much
so that by the end of this crisis, there may even be a surplus. Most
organisations are focusing on providing immediate relief to the suffering
people.[Full
Report]

Samurdhi finds
long-term solutions to water problems of victimsSome
of the relief items being distributed include, rice, sugar, flour, and
dhal. But in an area baking in the sun powerful enough to dry up eight
reservoirs, what good are any of these food items without water? [Full
Report]

Social
Service Department aids other affected districtsThe
Hambantota district still remains the centre of attention after several
months of the drought. But every night, as each family across the island
sits in darkness for a couple of hours through the power cut, it is obvious
that Hambantota is not the only area affected. [Full
Report]